According to NHRA rules, when a driver is unable to compete, the race team may bring in a substitute who can earn points for the original driver in a maximum of eight tour events. This means when Beckman begins his eight-event run in the JFR PEAK Antifreeze Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car at the 42nd Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd, Minn., on August 16, he’ll be earning points for Force in a quest for Force’s 17th championship.
Force was second in the points behind teammate Austin Prock at the time of his accident, and he currently sits sixth in the driver standings with two races remaining before the points reset for the Countdown to the Championship.
Apparently, John Force Racing is all-in on embracing the opportunity for Force to win yet another title. The team has branded Beckman’s effort as, “Joint Task Force – Mission Championship.” There’s no mention of asterisks if Force were to win the title.
“When you think about someone who can handle the driving, can deal with the media, take care of the sponsors and take care of the fans, there was only one obvious choice and that was Jack Beckman,” JFR team president Robert Hight said. “Plus, he has history with Chris Cunningham (co-crew chief on the PEAK Chevy with Dan Hood and Tim Fabrisi) and has the respect of John’s family.”
Beckman has won 33 events in Funny Car, and he last raced in 2020 before losing his ride in a Don Schumacher Racing downsize.
“It’s been nearly four years since I stood on the throttle, and I thought that feeling was something I’d never experience again,” said the 58-year-old Beckman. “Though the circumstances that brought me back are regrettable, the opportunity presented to me is beyond my ability to find words. I’m not replacing John…nobody could ever do that.
“John is one of a kind, and his impact on this sport, and my life, cannot be overemphasized. I know how fortunate I am to have been picked to fill in for John, and I should be easy to spot in the pits. I’ll be the guy who can’t stop smiling.”
Beckman’s best season outside of his 2012 championship came in 2015 when he advanced to nine final rounds and won seven races coming up just 56-points shy of being a two-time Funny Car champion.